Introducing an exclusive interview with our Inspiring intensivist Prof. Richard Hotchkiss, the undeniable leader of modern sepsis research, whose work has forever transformed our understanding of this complex syndrome. Thanks to his groundbreaking studies, the global view of sepsis shifted from a focus on uncontrolled hyperinflammation to recognising the critical role of immune suppression, apoptotic cell death, and lymphocyte depletion in driving poor outcomes. With a research portfolio published in the world's most prestigious journals—including NEJM, JAMA, Nature, and Science—Prof. Hotchkiss has become a guiding force for clinicians and researchers managing critically ill patients with sepsis. In this special interview, Prof. Hotchkiss in a historical journey will guide us through his decades of sepsis research, sharing how early hypotheses evolved, the "wrong paths" explored, and the pivotal collaborations that led to groundbreaking discoveries. His story is not only about science but about persistence, teamwork, and changing the way the world...